Recent advances in the single-atom catalysts for persulfate activation and pollutant oxidation: A review

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are a form of catalyst where single metal atoms are anchored on a suitable support, which maximizes the utilization the of metal atoms and provides strong catalytic activity. SACs typically have unique physical and chemical properties as well as excellent catalytic activity, making them an important research topic in the field of catalysis. In the present review, the preparation methods and characterization techniques used for SACs are summarized based on research on SACs in recent years, both domestic and overseas. Furthermore, the characteristics of SACs, the application of SACs in sulfate radical (SO4·−)-advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs), and the organic-degradation mechanisms of such systems are systematically discussed. Finally, the challenges and future research directions fot SACs in SR-AOPs are presented.